Manny Pacquiao Expected to Challenge Mario Barrios for WBC Welterweight Title

Manny Pacquiao is set to return to professional boxing on July 19, 2025, to challenge reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, ending a nearly four-year retirement. Despite being 46 and facing a much younger opponent in his prime, several boxing legends, including Roy Jones Jr., Freddie Roach, Chris Algieri, and Oscar De La Hoya, express cautious optimism about Pacquiao's chances, citing his conditioning, experience, and historical success against taller fighters. Concerns remain about Pacquiao's age, wear and tear from 72 professional fights, and diminished speed and explosiveness, which have been critical to his past success. Freddie Roach believes Pacquiao can dominate Barrios, while Algieri emphasizes that the early rounds will be telling of Pacquiao's competitive ability. The decision to allow Pacquiao to fight for a world title after a long hiatus has been controversial, raising questions about fairness to other contenders. Nonetheless, Pacquiao's return has revitalized interest in a relatively dull welterweight division, with many viewing the fight as intriguing despite the odds against him.